If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Comment

There is a bit of controversy here in the US, especially in Florida. Many states have upgraded their ports in anticipation of the larger ships. Most states have one port but Florida has many more. Now with a flat economy those ports are competing against each other and against the ports on the west coast that have stepped up their game to compete.

Comment

There are several ports on the US East &Gulf Coasts who have,or are in the process of, deepening the habours and approaches to accept larger ships, whether arriving via the Panama canal or not, but few which has sufficient container cranes to handle the larger Post-Panamax Container ships (12-14,000 TEUs): http://www.morethanshipping.com/are-...nal-expansion/
(Few cranes able to reach across 22 rows of containers means slow turn-around time, thus making the advantage of large ships less)

Comment

On the day before the transit of the canal aboard Serenissima, I made an excursion choice which included the Canal Expansion Observation Centre. This is situated south of Colón at the Atlantic (Caribbean) end of the canal, and is near the shore of Gatun Lake with a splendid view of the now-operational Agua Clara Locks. It is now re-named as the Agua Clara Visitor Centre.

The location, from Google Earth.

Comment

The visitor centre is in a landscaped park-like setting, and I think there is even a short rainforest trail with sloths and monkeys, no doubt popular with families, but I was totally focussed on things 'ship' at this stage in the cruise!

There are picnic areas and a cafe and restaurant. We were provided with picnic boxes which most of us saved until the return to our buses, our excellent timing being such as to catch a ship in the locks.

Comment

The opinions expressed in this forum are those of the registrered members and shall not be connected to those of the Board Administrator or Owner. No responsibilities for what members post will be taken, though all posts will be subject to moderation for unsuitable contents. No advertisement is allowed without a explicit written confirmation from board owner. Non-approved advertisements will be deleted without further notice and member name will be banned for a period of at least one full month.